Joseph William Murphy

Joseph William Murphy, 71, of Manchester, NH, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday morning, May 17, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.  

The son of the late Walter and Helen (Ivers) Murphy, Joe was born in Lawrence, MA on December 2, 1946.  He was educated in Lawrence schools and was a graduate of Lawrence High School. A decorated Vietnam veteran, he served in the United States Army.  He served his country as a front line radio operator from 1966-1967.  He remained in active duty through 1968 and later served in the Army National Guard in communications from 1975-1983, achieving the rank of E7.

A hard-working family man, Joe worked for Raytheon Company for 29 years and at the Home Depot for 5 years until he retired.  He will be remembered as a happy-go-lucky, stubborn Irishman, who was often the first on the dance floor.  Joe was the most well-liked guy going, ask anybody.  He was a great listener, happy to help anyone who needed it, and he enjoyed spending time with his family.  He had a strong appreciation for old cars, a good war movie, and a sense of humor.

Joe is survived by his wife of 33 years, Tamara (Calden) Murphy; his children, Dawn Scanlon and her husband Bill, Bridget Murphy and her husband Rich Bengtson, Shannon Ploude and her husband Tom, Sean Shisko, Melissa Morgan and her husband Bruce, and Megan Murphy; his 10 grandchildren, Ricky Bengtson, Joey Bengtson, Caitlin Scanlon, Erin Scanlon, Kevin O'Brien, Jimmy O'Brien, Sean Shisko, Jr., Jacqueline Ploude, Amelia Ploude and Aeris Morgan, as well as several nieces and nephews, many lifelong friends, and extra "kids" gained along the way.

Joe was predeceased by his sister, Jacqueline Murphy Lage.

Drive slow Dad!

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours on Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 12 Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Dewhirst and Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.  A Service with Military Honors will take place at 3:00 p.m.

For directions and to leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to VNA of Manchester and Southern New Hampshire, 1070 Holt Ave., Manchester, NH 03109, (603-622-3781).

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